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Zit on my butt: Why Do I Get Pimples on My Butt?

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How to Get Rid of Butt Acne 2022

How to Get Rid of Butt Acne 2022 | The Strategist

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butt week

By
Ambar Pardilla,
a writer at the Strategist covering fashion and home organization. 
She joined the Strategist as a writer in 2021 and before that worked at NBC and HuffPost.

Butt Week

So much of winter is spent sitting on your behind, so we curated a week’s worth of stories about the keeping silliest part of the body warm, comfortable, and feeling its best. Welcome to Butt Week.

Butt Week

So much of winter is spent sitting on your behind, so we curated a week’s worth of stories about the keeping silliest part of the body warm, comfortable, and feeling its best. Welcome to Butt Week.

Illustration: Chaimae Khouldi; Photos: Retailers

Body acne is annoying wherever it appears. But butt acne — or “buttne” in skin-care circles — is more serious than a seemingly ready-to-pop whitehead in that if you don’t do anything about it, there’s a greater chance of infection, bigger bumps that spread, and a combo of discoloration and dark spots.

Just like acne anywhere else, causes run the gamut from hyperactive hormones to genetics. It’s possible to see a combination of comedones (whiteheads and blackheads), pustules (which are pus-filled), papules (which are not), and cysts, says Dr. Noelani Gonzalez, a clinical instructor at Mount Sinai Hospital. But you could also have a case of folliculitis, an inflammation of hair follicles resulting in bumps that are commonly mistaken for acne. Because folliculitis leaves a trail of redness and itchiness, dermatologist Dr. Adeline Kikam of @brownskinderm prefers the term “butt breakouts,” while Dr. Debra Jaliman — a dermatology professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the author of Skin Rules — similarly refers to it as a rash.

But whether you have folliculitis or actual acne, the strategy for defeating bumps on your behind is pretty similar. Below, we break down how to get rid of a butt breakout with recommendations from seven dermatologists. While our experts differed on the exact step-by-step process, most did agree that the best game plan for a smooth, clear-skinned bum boils down to cleansing, treating, and moisturizing. (There are some optional steps we’ve noted too.) And if you’re experiencing persistent butt acne, book an appointment with your dermatologist ASAP.

PanOxyl 4% Creamy Facial Treatment Wash

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Anyone who’s acne-prone knows benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid for their pimple-busting properties. Dr. Sandra Lee, a.k.a. Dr. Pimple Popper and the founder of SLMD Skincare, describes these as “maximum-strength ingredients,” especially useful since your butt skin tends to be thicker than that on your face. All of the dermatologists we talked to recommended a wash with either ingredient, but benzoyl peroxide was the more popular of the two.

PanOxyl’s benzoyl peroxide washes were the most mentioned among our experts — Kikam, Gonzalez, Dr. Heidi A. Waldorf of Waldorf Dermatology Aesthetics, and Dr. Marisa Garshick of MDCS Dermatology name-checked the brand. This cleanser contains a higher than average amount of benzoyl peroxide (4 percent versus the usual 2.5). But it’s not the highest concentration you’ll see — PanOxyl makes a wash with 10 percent benzoyl peroxide that Garshick says you could build up to if needed, though she points out that some studies have shown that a higher concentration doesn’t equal more effectiveness.

Benzoyl peroxide can cause itchiness, redness, and dryness, but this creamy cleanser features emollients and humectants like glycerin to reduce those side effects and “boost tolerability,” Garshick adds. Just make sure to rinse it off completely to avoid bleach stains on towels, robes, and sheets. (And if you want a double-duty cleanser that works on your face, Gonzalez okayed this foaming face wash from CeraVe.)

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CeraVe SA Body Wash With Salicylic Acid

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Salicylic acid — a staple in many medicine cabinets already — is helpful for unclogging pores and sloughing away dead skin cells. “For this reason, larger red bumps tend to be best treated with benzoyl peroxide while smaller breakouts will often do well with a salicylic-acid-containing cleanser,” Garshick says. (You can alternate between the two depending on what’s popping up on your skin.) This CeraVe recommendation comes courtesy of Garshick and Jaliman, who both praise its pore-clearing abilities without causing dryness or irritation. There’s niacinamide and hyaluronic acid in there too — the two work together to strengthen the skin barrier, making it “excellent for sensitive skin,” according to Jaliman. We’ve also heard good things about Neutrogena’s Body Clear wash from Kikam and New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, who recommends using it twice daily.

CLn SportWash

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Butt acne is sometimes the consequence of not showering after sweaty workouts, so you might want to introduce an antibacterial soap to take care of bacteria. Waldorf likes this folliculitis-focused CLn SportWash; its standout ingredient is sodium hypochlorite, which she describes as a “less potent relative of hypochlorous acid.” (Hypochlorous acid heals our skin from bacteria.) That means there’s a lower chance of irritation compared to benzoyl peroxide, though Waldorf says the BP may be a better choice if you have very active acne.

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L’Oreal Paris Revitalift 5 Percent Glycolic Acid Peeling Toner

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After cleansing, you’ll want to apply a toner with exfoliating acids to help even out texture — either salicylic acid (a BHA or beta hydroxy acid) or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic and lactic acids. Despite the “peeling” in its name, this toner has a low percentage of glycolic acid, which keeps it gentle yet effective in unclogging pores, Jaliman explains.

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Humane Clarifying Toner Pads

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Garshick likes these on-the-go-friendly salicylic acid wipes because they’re easy to use, especially on hard-to-reach affected areas. These remove excess oil, dirt, and buildup to prevent future breakouts, and the antioxidant-rich green-tea extract calms red and irritated skin.

If you want something even more convenient, Garshick gives a thumbs-up to this Glytone treatment spray. Besides salicylic acid, its other star ingredients are gluconolactone and glycerin; the former is a gentle exfoliator, while the latter helps with scarring. There’s aloe in the formula, too, which has antibacterial and redness-reducing properties. Caution: Choose either the pads or the spray as using them consecutively can be too irritating.

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Melé Even Tone Post Cleanse Tonic

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Whatever you do, don’t pick your buttne. Dark spots, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, can result from poking and prodding, according to New York City–based dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. If you have marks already, this King-approved toner-tonic will help brighten those areas with vitamin C, while lactic acid mildly exfoliates and hydrates. King particularly likes this for those who have melanin-rich skin.

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Differin Acne Treatment Gel

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Adapalene falls under the category of retinoids, which are best explained by our skin-care-expert-slash-contributor Rio Viera Newton as an “umbrella term for any cream derived from vitamin A”, including radiance-boosting retinol. Formerly prescription-only, adapalene is the strongest retinol you can get over the counter to treat mild to moderate acne; Kikam and King both approve of its use for buttne. There’s a long list of benefits, but King and Kikam highlight adapalene’s ability to decrease discoloration and reduce healing time. Heads up, though: An exfoliating acid (like those above) can “deactivate” a retinoid, so instead of applying one after another, space them out at different times of the day or on alternate days. The other caveat that we get more into here is that, though retinoids and retinol are the gold standard for acne woes, those with darker skin should consult a derm before applying as it can lead to even more hyperpigmentation.

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La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Spot Treatment

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If your booty just has a blemish here and there, a more targeted application method is your best bet. This spot treatment from La Roche-Posay (a longtime Strategist favorite) comes recommended by Garshick, Green, and Gonzalez. The breakout-reducing benzoyl peroxide attacks acne-causing bacteria, while the tiny percentage of lipo-hydroxy acid “micro-exfoliates,” Gonzalez says. When applying, make sure to rub it in completely so it doesn’t come off on clothing.

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AmLactin Rapid Relief Restoring Body Lotion

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Good: a noncomedogenic moisturizer. Better: one that exfoliates. “With butt acne, the pores are clogged so that’s why an exfoliating cream is important,” Jaliman explains. AmLactin creams feature lactic acid, which smooths skin (especially after something like a salicylic or glycolic toner). Jaliman is partial to the Rapid Relief lotion, which features a generous amount of lactic acid as well as hydrating ceramides.

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How to Get Rid of Butt Acne, According to Dermatologists

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Butt acne? Yes, It’s a Thing – Here’s How to Get Rid of It

Find out how to get rid of your butt acne and you’ll be feeling cheeky in no time.

Oh, acne. Not only can it pop up on your face, back, chest, and arms, it can also appear on your booty. Yup, we’re going there. As we dive into the warmer months, butt pimples can be especially concerning if you want to wear something cheeky to the pool or beach. First off, know that you’re not alone. Although it is a pain in the butt—literally—butt acne, or as its affectionately called “buttne,” is common and there are steps you can take to clear it up.

Below, learn what butt acne is (spoiler: it’s not really acne), what causes it, and how to treat it so you’ll be back rocking short shorts in no time.

What is butt acne?

Butt pimples, although they resemble acne-like bumps, aren’t actually acne. The bumps are most likely inflammation of the hair follicle caused by a fungal or bacterial infection. The fancy term for it is folliculitis. The butt blemishes are typically small, shallow lumps. They can be itchy and painful too. And if they get very irritated, they can become cyst-like clusters. Ouch.

What causes butt acne?

There are two main culprits.

  1. Wearing wet clothes (i.e., bathing suits, sweaty workout clothes)
  2. Wearing clothes that are too tight (we’re looking at you, skinny jeans)

Tight clothes create a lot of friction against your bum, which rubs in bacteria into the pores and triggers butt breakouts. Damp environments encourage bacteria growth. The bacteria can then get trapped in the hair follicles on your tush, and the skin around it gets inflamed and creates the unwelcome bumps.

How to get rid of butt acne

Wash your buns: If you’re prone to butt acne, wash your derriere on the reg with an acne wash that contains benzoyl peroxide. It’ll help remove dirt, oil, and sweat from the hair follicle, keeping it clean and bacteria-free, which decreases the chances of getting butt pimples.

1. Don’t exfoliate

Just like picking at pimples on your face is a big no-no, it’s also not a good idea to aggregate butt blemishes. Exfoliating your backside or using an abrasive cleanser can spread the bacteria, make the inflammation worse, and can lead to scarring and hyperpigmentation. Be gentle.

2. Keep it dry

Maintaining your bottom dry at all times is key. After a workout, be sure to shower, dry off completely so you won’t trap any moisture, and change into fresh, clean clothes. The same goes for bathing suits. Change into dry clothes as soon as possible to avoid creating an environment that promotes bacteria growth.

3. Wear breathable clothes

You may love those skinny jeans and leggings (we do too), but they’re not the best for butt acne. Opt for lightweight fabrics like natural cotton that are not too tight and will let your butt breathe.

4. Use a warm compress

If the butt pimples are itchy, applying a warm compress to the area for 15-20 minutes a couple of times per day can offer some relief.

5. Visit your dermatologist

Folliculitis usually goes away on its own without treatment as long as you’re practicing the butt-friendly protocols mentioned above. However, if it goes on for more than a few weeks and over-the-counter products aren’t helping, chat with your dermatologist about topical prescription medications.

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90,000 pimples on the pope, how to get rid of them?

pimples on the buttocks, like from …

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90 017 May 12, 2009 00:01 am

530 replies

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#1

900 02#2

#3

#5

90 051 May 12, 2009 10:35 am

#6

#9

#10

Guest

Wipe with salicylic alcohol, this you have hyperkeratosis.

Author, you must have been sitting in the cold or sweating in some synthetic thing!!

#11

#12

#13

#14

Stop eating all sorts of filth and everything will pass.

#16

#17

#18

#19

# 20

#21

#22

pups , 23:44

#23

try advontan. 9Expert s Woman.ru

  • Sadovnikov Ernest

    Psychologist ….

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#26

#27

pups

please tell me how to get rid of acne on the pope, I would really like to get an answer

#28

#29

True Stories

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New threads

901 74

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    Back

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    Next topic

    • Thalassotherapy, who did it?

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    Poll of men and women: How do you feel about pimples on a girl’s bottom, or how would you react?

    Survey of men and women: …

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    #11

    Fast rest and brings – very often it’s just some kind of skin infectious disease. And just like that, one pimply ass sat on a lounger or on a chair in a restaurant – and hello!

    #13

    #14

    #15

    butt is beautiful.

    #16

    #17

    Guest

    And why is it impossible to get rid of, the author? I also had such a problem a few years ago, I was madly striving. It all went away and never came back! so go see a dermatologist!

    #18

    #19

    awn

    I once met a nice girl. It came to bed. I undress her slowly. I take off my panties, lift my legs, and there are pimples …. O O. Well, I have everything for six hours at once.

    #21

    This is Nastya 37

    #22

    #23

    #24

    Charlie

    please tell me the name of the ointment. red is really very rare, I don’t get sick with anything. The doctor had no infections.

    #25

    #26

    Guest

    This is Nastya

    ))))))))))) horror movie

    More like a thriller. But I am courageous. He pretended not to notice. He said that he was very tired, Friday is the end of the week. The next morning I got ready, I did not see her again.

    #27 it looks like a thriller. But I am courageous. He pretended not to notice. He said that he was very tired, Friday is the end of the week. The next morning I got ready, I didn’t see her again. So you didn’t plant it? And how old were you then?

    Woman.ru experts

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      Psychologist ….

      243 answers

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      Nutritionist, consultant on…

      84 answers

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      Nutritionist

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      Psychologist

      37 answers

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      Psychotherapist

      41 answers

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      Neopsychologist

      226 answers

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      Cosmetologist

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      Psychologist

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      Psychologist

      149 answers

    • Shchipko Ekaterina

      Psychologist-sexologist

      44 answers

    #28

    Masha

    Everyone throws up at once, but you yourself with what faces. I see acne very often on the bodies, girlfriends, just people I meet, many, hands and back with pimples, it’s really disgusting. and there is a very beautiful girl, there are many fans as promising and simple. there are also pimples on the pope, but not enough 1-2, the figure is just from God.

    #29

    #30

    Enzo

    You need to cover your ass with powder. the whole prev. And varnish on top, a double effect will turn out.

    #31

    True stories 3

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    • 9 0873 August 11, 2011 11:54 pm

    #32

    Guest

    Damn, macho local unfinished, first remove pimples on your faces and asses, and then criticize others!

    #34

    #40

    Guest

    Well, if one or two, and the figure is good, then it’s fine. And if five, then horror horror horror

    appears 1-2 times a month or two and everything spoils the mood.

    the rest of the body – face, hands, etc. is almost always perfectly clean.

    but, I know, when a man looks at his ass, and he always looks, and even if he sees, it will not throw him off.

    he will never give up on me and my beautiful body.

    yes, he won’t refuse, he loves me and it’s better to shoot everyone than let me go to someone.

    #41

    and no, not fat at all, slender)

    I eat right, I don’t eat harmful foods, that’s right, by the way.

    This is indeed a problem and should not be laughed at.

    #42

    also because of it is forbidden to eat this sweet) otherwise you would have to pour a bucket of foundation on them =)

    #43

    This is Nastya

    nonsense, I eat a lot of sweets, but I have never come across such a thing.

    that’s why everything is individual and someone’s ass is sprinkled from sweet and someone’s from fat) someone’s face is pimply and the ass is clean, and someone has a cute face, but the butt is fii =)

    #44

    Unless she has the worst blood supply in this place, which means the cow is lazy

    #45

    Guest

    Damn, macho local unfinished, first get pimples on your faces and asses, and then criticize others!

    Well, what can I do if such an organism?

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    12 August 2011 criticize!

    understanding person))))

    The first line of the post 38

    well, what can I do if such an organism?

    When a woman does not want to solve her problems, she calms herself down. And she almost always doesn’t want to solve them

    #47

    Lika

    understanding person))))

    Well, what can I do if such an organism?

    #48

    harizma

    Lika-understanding person))))

    well, what can I do if such an organism? Wipe with boric alcohol and dry the booty upside down in the sun)))

    Mushroom

    LikaGuest 9000 3

    Damn, macho local unfinished , first, remove acne on your faces and asses, and then criticize others!

    understanding person)))) In the sense of a woman who cannot read?

    The first line of the post 38

    When a woman does not want to solve her problems, she calms herself down. And she doesn’t want to solve them almost always

    #49

    Washing should be done more intensively with soap and ass, the best remedy for everything is immunity, proper blood vessels, physical activity

    Attention

    #50

    Lika

    post 41.